There are two types of watch enthusiasts that we’ve seen over the years. We have those who only want a watch that does its job remarkably well — regardless if it’s quartz, mechanical, or otherwise. On the other hand, we have the watch collectors who consider timepieces to be investments. Either way, you’re going to want to look into watch brands that’ll hold it’s value.
So, just after this short intro, we’ve listed five watch brands that retain their value incredibly well. A few years down the lane, inflation should have reared its head again, and prices should be flying through the roof.
1: Rolex
They’re the undisputed champions when it comes to brands that hold their value well—almost like real estate. The reason for this is simple: this Swiss brand has a lot of rich history backing it up. They were the first watch to be on Mount Everest on the wrists of both Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Likewise, they are well known to be the first watchmaker to engineer a dive watch. With these kinds of achievements and more, they’ve become the world’s most renowned and sought-after watch brand.
Recommended models include: Go for the Deepsea and Submariner models due to their demand. Oyster Perpetual has always been a great choice too!
2: Patek Philippe
Other than their tradition which has lasted for 177 years now, exclusivity, power, and class are Patek Philippe’s keywords. They once made a statement that goes along the lines of “You don’t own a Patek Philippe watch, you keep it for the next generation.”
The brand’s watches are mechanical masterpieces with materials, parts, and movements all manufactured and assembled in-house by their artisans. Still, despite the fantastic resale value they have, the only issue is getting even one copy in good condition.
Recommended models include:Nautilus, Chronograph, and Aquanaut are models you should consider.
3: Jaeger-LeCoultre
While Jaeger-LeCoultre might not have the same fame that the two brands mentioned above have, but they have the same ingredients those two have. The watchmaker has a tradition (founded way back in 1833) in the art of making mechanical movements.
They take this art to the extent that they have commissioned movements for other watch brands, including Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet. Their watches range from the usual classic/dress watches to sports models.
Recommended models include: The Reverso, Master Ultra-Thin, Master Compressor, Master Control, Geophysic, and Duomètre are our recommendations.
4: Omega
While these watches don’t come with the price tag of all the brands we’ve mentioned, they still hold their value remarkably well. The clock has numerous achievements. For one, the Speedmaster Professional Chronograph was the watch worn to the first lunar landing by Buzz Aldrin in 1969.
Likewise, this Swiss company is now making their movements (the Co-Axial) in-house, rather than buying and modifying ETA movements as they did before. This trend is gratifying (with a positive effect on the resale value) for any watchmaker that calls itself a luxury brand.
Recommended models include: You should get any one between the Seamaster, Speedmaster, or the Constellation.
5: TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer didn’t start late in the game. The watchmaker formed in 1860, and since then, has been making luxury watches for people with diverse preferences. Nevertheless, the brand’s winning-formula is their marketing. TAG Heuer has appeared on the wrists of famous people such as Elvis Presley and Chris Hemsworth as a marketing strategy that works. The fact that their watches keep the vintage, but functional design, while upgrading the internals makes it all the more enjoyable to use.
Recommended models include: Any collection of their flagship models will never be complete without the presence of the Carrera, Monza, and Monaco.
Why are They Considered Great Investments?
It’s not because they make rare, limited copies. The reason is just that the watch community usually reveres most watchmakers that engineer mechanical timepieces with innovative movements done in-house as great brands. Quartz watches use IC (integrated circuits) which function as the clock, timer, alarm, GPS tracker, etc.
On the other hand, all of these functions are created from scratch by moving mechanisms called complications in a mechanical watch. Aside from that, we all look at the heritage. The fact that the brands themselves have tradition, thus social proof creates a demand for them. Watch investors are just the ones who supply them, at a future date.
Final Thought
Keep in mind that we consider only the iconic timepieces in the various collections of these brands the real investment. Anything that’s not well-loved and wanted typically won’t be valued well. So, be very careful.
